What's the Deal with Toning the Hair?
I get a ton of questions regarding toning.
Toning can be done with semi-permanent hair color, like Redken Shades EQ, to help add a certain level of warmth, coolness, or “tone” to the hair. With semi-permanent hair color, it’s impossible to lighten the hair so toning can only deposit color and change the warmth/coolness.
At home, there are toning products (from shampoo to deep conditioners) to apply to your hair as a way to correct the color a bit. These don’t often have a wide variety of colors, as they are essentially designed to help maintain the color you left the salon with (assuming it’s a color you love). Each product has different application and processing directions. Some require just a few minutes, others require a longer time. Make sure to follow the directions of any product you buy.
Can you tone your hair TOO much? Does it cause damage?
Toning products can be a bit on the drying side, so be on the lookout for a deep conditioning mask, like this one, to both condition and color correct some brassiness at the same time.
Does toning work on grown-out roots?
It depends on what you’re starting with. Toning products cannot bring you lighter or brighter, so if you’re looking to correct warmth at the roots, a toning product could be helpful. Can I use toning shampoo on virgin (not colored) hair? Sure Can!
What’s the difference between being toned at the salon versus being toned at home in the shower?
Well, you’re likely to be 100% happy with the result of being toned by a professional at a salon than at home on your own, but it is–to be totally honest–a very simple process to manage at home if needed. You won’t be using the same products (like hair color) for toning at home, it’s likely to be in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, or both.
If this sounds like something that you can benefit from, let me know!
I suggest using CityGRL shampoo and conditioner for a least four weeks. You can use clarifying shampoos, just make sure to use them properly. Or you can connect with your stylist.
